A little over three weeks after her unexpected resignation from the leadership of the DIS, the Department of Security Intelligence that coordinates the activities of Italian intelligence, Elisabetta Belloni departs for Brussels to undertake an important role under European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. A career diplomat and former sherpa for Italy’s G7 and G20 presidencies, Belloni will oversee the EU leader’s international relations. In Italy, the appointment was met with a chorus of bipartisan congratulations; a transversal support that evokes the support that three years ago had established Belloni as one of the few individuals capable of obtaining a broad parliamentary endorsement for the Quirinale, prior to the focus being on the reconfirmation of Sergio Mattarella. Born in Rome in 1958, Belloni studied at Liceo Massimo—the same as Mario Draghi—before attending Luiss University. Before returning to the capital, she held various positions in Italian embassies abroad and was later promoted to Secretary General of the Farnesina. Draghi then appointed her to lead the intelligence services, making her the first woman in that role.